For those looking for cheap office equipment, the Iowa Department of Transportation may hold the answer to their equipment dreams.

The Iowa DOT will hold a public auction of used equipment this Saturday, July 20, on the Ames DOT grounds beginning at 9 a.m.

Items to be sold include a variety of office, video and computer equipment, as well as other miscellaneous items, such as lawn equipment. Any item may be inspected Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and on Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

DOT Surplus Manager Ken Shuey said the department usually holds seven auctions a year, four of which are strictly vehicle auctions.

“Most of the equipment we sell at these auctions is surplus from the DOT,” Shuey said. “It’s outdated stuff that’s been replaced with newer models.”

However, Shuey said the auctions often consist of items formerly owned by the city or Iowa State. In such a case, those who wish to sell their items pay a small fee for advertisement and collect on most of the profits yielded by the goods.

“Most of the profits we make go back into a revolving fund to buy more equipment,” Shuey said. “We pay for the advertising, auctioneer, and collect on the rest.”

Shuey said vehicle auctions tend to attract more people than those dealing with equipment. Vehicle auctions usually bring in about 1,700 people, while equipment auctions yield turnouts of about 300 to 500 people. Shuey said he anticipates this auction to attract around the usual number of prospective buyers.

Sales tax will be collected, and those with a permanent bid number are expected to bring those numbers to the auction.

Payments, which must be made the day of the auction, can be made with cash, cashier’s check or certified check. Other checks will be accepted if accompanied by identification.